"^.^

5 • • *^

1 -a.'

0-' ^.

#\ * . , 1 • <^^ O^ " I, . o '

-V- ^»> »„ . J A >

<'..

0 ° " " ■. ^

:^^

■ 4°.

^oV^

Jo iP "7* . * ^

.y

4 o>.

\.

•J'

^^v
.s^"-^

0 % •■

vr> -o . . » A

■<>

%^

•)s^

0-'

^•'

:•' .*^'

^^^:^M^.^'>^/ :l€& \.o^<^' ^;^'

* O V 0 '•' .0 '^ * O ,

\. ' ft W rt Oi

4 c>

9>.

0

''^c.

'^^.

?^'' "Pa z,"^

.0^

•0^

.^^•%. '.«

^^

1^'- ^o V^

0" * * O ^*V J V - » • - *0.

k- -^ & ^-^-^^..^

• ■■■■■■' ^'

-^.^^ -^^^

^^

■^.

0^ ^l*"' *^ V*' »'

'o. » '

«> ^o"", -^^ .^-^ -'- -^o

.s".

,0 ^^ ^r-^";-- -j-*^

- '^ '^'^'^

<=o

•0''

/ -m^ %.^* ^- ^^/ -;^t %/ '^■-. %/ :■ ' ■'

>«»»«#

rm-

4

ff^ashingfon

THE STORY of
WASHINGTON

bx

\ \x(y\\\\,x Heath

^r^

1904

L. H. Nelson Company
Portland, Maine

L>'

OlC 30

liJU4

Copynuiii cnir>
/SU^. 3J,/?aJV
UWSS ^:<. XXc. No-,

copy Ei.

Co f>\ right ^ I i^O 4
L. H Nelson Com f) any

v: 3 1 a

h-\

The Story of Washington

A Reverie

O M E day, perhaps, you will journey to
Mount Vernon, George Washington's country
home. You will find many people there, all visitors
ike yourself. Probably you will follow them through
the wide doors of the banquet room, down the long
porch to the reception hall, and over its polished stairs
to the floor above. You will surely be interested in the
quaint draperies and curiously carved furniture of the
different rooms. After this you will be wise to rest awhile in one ot
the many chairs scattered over the broad veranda.

By and by the others of your company disappear. You see only the
soft green of the lawn against a background of majestic trees with the

5

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

historic Potomac shining at their feet. It is pleasant sitting there, hut you
are not long permitted to enjoy it alone; for, presently, you hear the sharp
ring of hoofs upon the gravelled path, and a magnificent white horse ciashes
up to the door and stands, with arching neck, for his rider to dismount.
Then a very splendid gentleman, hooted and spurred, wearing a blue coat
with brilliant epaulets, buff colored small-clothes, and a three-cornered hat
with a black cockade, walks slowly up the stairs and enters the doorway
at your right. And the name of this fine gentleman ? Why, what else
could it be but that of our hero, George Washington himselt, — a stately
figure, called from the shadowy past to live once more in the present by
the mysterious charm of the place and the power of your own tree fancy.
The picture is so real that you linger for a time to gaze at the open
door through which the vision vanished. But it does not come again, so
you turn away to wander at will over the plantation ; and as you walk
under the shadow of the trees, and look down upon the river that
Washington loved, there may come back to you, dimly, like a halt-
forgotten dream, some little memory of this story ot his life.

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

A magnificent u-hitt- horse dashes up to the door and stands, u-ith arihiiig neck,
for hii rider to dismount''^

THE STORY OF WASHING ION

F?'om Child to Colofiel

WE must not think of Mount Vernon as the scene of our hero's
childhood, for his father's estate lay some distance down the river.
The Twenty-second ot February was not kept then with all the noise and
tun with which we now celebrate it. Yet it was a day of rejoicing in the
old Virginia farm-house, for then, in the year seventeen hundred thirty-two,
a little boy, the "^Vashmgton of our story, was born.

While he was still a baby, his fither moved to another plantation
near Fredericksburg. 1 he new home overlooked the Rappahannock, about
which Washington played as a child. We can imagine how eagerly, with
the other boys of his age, he watched the English ships creep up the
river after their cargoes of tobacco. There were no regular mails in those
days, and one heard but seldom from the outside world. The arrival ot
the ships was a great event, for they brought with them wondertul tales
e)t cities and men.

Each plantation was a little village in itself, with the planter's house
for a center. Beyond were the negro cabins and vast fields of tobacco.

In the midst of life like this Washington grew into sturdy boyhood.
He was a handsome youth, tall and straight, and so easily the ec|ual ot
his playmates that he soon became a leader in their outdoor sports.
He entered heartily into every youthful amusement, but the years allowed
him for play were few. For at the age when boys are now busy with

8

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

football ami tennis, this hid ot
fifteen was hard at work. He
was sent hy his friend, Lord
l''airfax, to survey a large traCt
of land lying along the Shenan-
doah valley. It was rough work
fir a beginner, for the country
was then a wilderness. But the
life hael an amusing side, as we
learn from the diary which
Washington kept at that time.
" March 2jd. Rained till about 1 o'clock and then cleared up, when
we were greatly surprised at the sight of more than thirty Indians coming
from war with only one scalji. We had some liquor with us, of which
we ga\-e them a part. This, elevating their spirits, put them in the humor
of dancing. We then had a war dance. After clearing a large space
and making a great fire in the middle, the men seated themselves around
it and the speaker made a grand speech, telling them in what manner
they were to dance. After he had finished, the best tlancer jumped up,
as one awaked from sleep, and ran and jumped about the ring in a most
comical manner. lie was followed by the rest. Then began their music
which was performed with a pot half full of water and a deer skin
stretched tiyht o\'er it, and a gourd with some shot in it to rattle, and
a piece of horse's tail tied to it to make it look fine. One pers(Mi kept
rattling and another drumming all the while they were dancing. "

l^HE STORY OF WASHINGTON

What boy of to-day would not be glad to leave his play for so
exciting an adventure !

These few lines from his own pen bring us very near the youth of
Washington. We catch a glimpse of the boyish spirit, which found
something to enjoy even in the midst of hardship. Nor was the work
negledied. On the contrary, it was so well done that, on his return, he
was chosen county surveyor. Many of the surveys of his boyhood are
still in use, because even now no better ones can be made.

We may go to our histories to learn of the French and Indian War,
in which Washington began to be a soldier. A story so brief as this can
give onh' a huit here and there of important events.

We come now to a time in our hero's lite that is far removed from
war and Indians. It whispers instead ot peace and home. A very gay
and brilliant time it must have been, for it was Washington's wedding
day ; and a wedding in old Virginia was worth going far to see. This
one was celebrated with unusual pomp in the little church of Saint Peter,
near the bride's home. All the gentry ot the neighborhood were present.
The Governor, in full dress of scarlet and gold, with officers of the army
and navy in gorgeous uniforms, gave color to the scene. To complete
this pretty pifture of old time splendor, we have the bride in silk, and
satin, laces and brocade, with diamond buckles on her slippers, and pearls
about her neck and in her hair. By her side stands the gallant figure of
young Colonel Washington in blue and silver trimmed with scarlet, with
gold buckles at his knee and on his shoes. After the ceremony the bride
and her ladies were taken home in a coach and six, attended by the bride-

lO

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

■" Its a/rious old rooms ivcre brightened by the presence of Lady Washington
who usually spent the zviiiter months in cimp"

I I

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

groom on his spirited horse, and followed by the other gentlemen of the

party.

This is a bit of real life, but it sounds- — docs it not? — hke a stray
leaf from some old fairv tale. And isn't it delighttiii to know that our
prince and princess did, in very truth, live happily for many years on
their beautifid Mount \'ernon estate ? It gives the place a new claim on
oin- attention to remember that it was once the home of so distinguished

" Tne :l'iicioui niiiiiiiun of to-iii.y
12

THE S L O R Y OF WASHINGTON

-.1 woman as Mrs. Washington — or Lady Washmtrton, as she came to be
called. And the presence there to-day ot the little articles connected with
the daily lite of its mistress adds to that home a touch of human interest
which might otherwise he lacking. Trifling things the\" are indeed ^ — the
silver heel of her slipper, a shred ot lace she wore, an exquisitely carved
tan, the quaint pin cushion made from her wedding gown — but they help
to bridge over the years that lie between her da\' and ours, and make
more real to us this bride of long ago.

The home over which she presided with such grace and charm was
one of lavish hospitality. Guests from far and near sat often at its
tabic. Washington has been called a silent man, but he enjoyed a houseful
of people, and made a most agreeable host. He was fond of music and
dancing, and liked a game of cards ; but his chief amusement was hunting.
Three times a week, during the season, a merry company, headed by
Washington on his fa\'orite Hlueskin, was off at da\break. Frequently,
the ladies leci by Laci\' ^\^^shington in a scarlet habit joined the hunt.
The footing was rough, and sometimes so i.lantjerous that timici riders
chose the Ioniser and safer course, but \Vashington kept with the hi^unds.
These dogs, ^'ulcan and Ringwood, Singer and Truelove, Music and
Sweetlips, were noted for speei.1 and endurance.

The master of Mount \'ernon had an especial fondness for both
horses and dogs. His first duty each morning was to visit the stables
ami kennels. Every department of the place recei\'ed his careful attention.
Throughout his whole life it was characteristic of the man to do whatever
he had to do as well as he possibly could.

13

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

He gave himself to the management of the Jarge estate with the
same thoroughness that had marked the surveys of his boyhood. It was
no uncommon thing tor him to spend the entire day in the saddle in
order to superintend in person some important detail. Thus with work
enough but with leisure also for fine friendships and wholesome recreation,
Washington lived for a time the free and pleasant life of a Southern
gentleman of his day.

H

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

" 77ir beautiful elm under tcliieh Wtuhi/igtoii took cotiimniiil of tlie artiiy
!/iiiy yet be seen in the city of Cambridge ' '

15

THE SIORY OF WASHING ION

C 0 f/i fn ii ndcr-i n~ Chief

ME A N W H 1 L E, t)ver in England, a new King had taken the
throne. Under his rule the mother country was trying, in one
way and another, to torce upon the colonists certain laws which the latter
believed to be untair. A sense ot coming trouble was everywhere felt.
Washington was never so occupied with his own aftairs as to torget the larger
interests ot his country. He now waited anxiously tor news trom the
North. By and by out in Boston Harbor there was the queerest of all
queer tea parties, at which no one drank any tea. Atter this tea was
no longer served at Mount ^"erno^.

Perhaps King George would have been wiser if he had looked a little
deeper into the meaning of that Boston Tea Party. It may be he
did not appreciate the tree spirit ot the men who were its guests, or know
thev were standiiiij; tor a principle that was just. At anv rate the King
was angry, and swore the colonists should be compelled to submit. Pie
sent his ships and armies over to enforce the hated laws. Then began the
long struggle in which England lost her colonies.

It was two vears atter this, however, betore the first American army
was organized, and there was open war. Every schoolbo\' knows about
the skirmish between the British and American troops on the green at
Lexington. He recalls with pride how bravely the American soldiers
fought at Bunker Hill, the first real battle of the Revolution.

16

THE STORY OF W A S H 1 N (i l' O N

" H'KV brtivth th,- Jmerimi! iuldicn fought <it Biiiikir HiW

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

Just at this time the trumpet-call of duty ranir sharp and clear in
the ears ot W'ashinirton. When a commander-m-chiet was needed, all eyes
turned naturally tt) the frreat \'ir^inian. W'ithout a moment's hesitation
he accepted the trust laid upon him. The beautitid elm under which
Washington took command ot the arm\' may yet be seen in the city
ot Cambridge. Tall and stately, like the man who drew his sword
beneath its branches, this tree stands a little apart from its fellows, as
if it still remembered the proud distinction of its youth. Of historical
interest also is the Craigie house \\here the Commander-in-chief made
his head-i]uarters. This has since become familiar to us as the home
ot the poet Longtellow.

The task upon which Washington now entered proved long and
hard. Betore it was finished he had reason to be grateful for the
physical strength which the \'igorous outdoor lite of his youth had
given him. His knowledge ot military affairs gaineci in the French and
Indian war was also ot great service. But even more he needed all
the courage and stoutness ot heart which f)rty-three years of noble
living had wcn^en into his charac^ter.

^Vhen Washington took command, the army was almost wholly
lacking in discipline. The men were poorly clothecl, and there was
no money for new uniforms. Worst of all the suppl\' of gunpowder
gave out. These were only a few of the many difTiculties which the
new commander had to face. One by one he met and overcame them.

In the early spring he was able to send a large bodv of troops to
fortify Dorchester Heights. This movement drove the British out of

I HE STORY OF WASHINGTON

" Cidigir hoiiu- -.L-hrr,- thr Cum mdiidcr-in-ihirf made hh lii-d,li/uiirtrr> "

Boston, and gave safety to New England. When the American army
marched m triumph into the city, its citizens gave the name of
" Washington " to the long narrow street that winds in and out through
the heart of the busy town.

We know that during the next summer a deep gloom settled over
the country. The army was driven from one position to another.
Then like a flash of light came the victory at Trenton. In this battle

19

THE S T O R \' OF WASHINGTON

the Americans todk nearK' one thousand prisoners, besides guns and
ammunition. It occurred on the nit^ht ot December twenty-htth, when in
so manv homes the Christmas hres were Hghted, and happy hearts were
celebrating the birthday of the Christ. There was merriment also in the
British camp at Trenton, but nine miles up the river, among the
soldiers who had crossed the icy current ot the Delaware, was heard
neither son^j; nor laughter. There a iletermmed leader, with twenty-tour
hundred resolute men, was marching through the sleet ot a winter storm
to strike a blow tor tVeedom. It stirs the blood e\-en now to read ot
a deed so brave.

■/wo/iir the uililicn :ch'j troM,-ii the /i\ current nf the DeLiwive, ;«•<;.■ heiird

neither mnv:^ nor Idiighter''''
20

THE S r O R Y OF W A S H J N (i T O N

The following summer brought defeat to the American troops at
Brandywine. Later, in an attack on the British camp at Ciermantow n,
they were forceci to retreat with hea\y loss.

The country was again in despair, when Washington \vd his ragged
army into winter quarters at A'alley Forge. I'he Commander-in-chiet

alone remained firm. Throuuh all those dreadful ilays his courage never
faltered. To the enemv he showeii the same unbending wdl, but
toward his hungry barefoot men his heart was always tender. He did
all that lav in his power to relieve their sufferings. The hardships ot
that winter were severe, but the discipline was so good, that in the spring,
a well-trained army was ready tor the field.

At this point in the story, it is interesting to note the entrance ot
our ]'"rench allies upon the scene. Let us not forget our debt ot gratitude
to France for the aid she gave our country in her time ot need. The
brave Frenchman, Lafavette, is one of the most pic'turesque figures in the
history of the war. A Io\'er of liberty, this y<iung patriot came to America
and made her cause his own. Now when success seemed doubttul, he
returned for a brief period to J'"rance, hoping by personal appeal tu secure
further help from that country.

Meanwhile Washington watched and waited. He saw that the nation's
life depended on the preservation of the army. To hold the troops
together became his chief purpose. He set himself sternly to the task.
Nothing could turn him from it. When Congress failed to provide
food and clothing for the destitute soldiers, their commander's honest
wrath shamed it to greater effort. Never to satisfy the popular cry for

21

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

aftion did he risk the safety of the army. He fought only when, in his
judgment, the hour to fight had come.

There were many men whose deeds light with their splendor the
darkness of that time. Washington was the greatest of them all. Looking
to him the weary army found patience to endure, until, on the soil of his
own State, he led it to final victory. Besieged by two armies on land,
with a French fleet cutting off his escape by water, Curnwallis surrendered
at Yorktown, in the year seventeen hundred eighty-one. Marching with
drooping colors between two long lines ui American and French troops,
seven thousand British soldiers laid down their arms. The United
Colonies of America hud won their independence.

The war was really over, though the colonists did not know it then.
A British General still held New York when the American army went
into winter quarters at Newlnu-gh on the Hudson. The stone house
then occupied by Washington is now owned by the State of New York. Its
curious old rooms were once the scene of many a brilliant company.
They were brightened by the presence of Lady Washington who usually
spent the winter months in camp. The time seemed long to the waiting
troops. The news that the treaty of peace had finally been signed was
hailed with joy by both officers and men. In a few simple words
Washington said good-bye to his devoted army.

Then he turned southward and reached Mount Vernon on Christ-
mas Eve. Its doors were flung wide open to receive him. There was
a beautiful Southern custom which gave the slaves Christmas week tor
merry-making. From the cabins came the hum of happy voices and

22

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

■^-awKswKiwasassjti !»tK„

" W inter quartrrs at Ncwburgh on the Huilsuri"

the sound of dancing feet. The house which had so long been
darkened was ablaze with light, for the master was at home.

He entered with eager interest into all its duties and pleasure.
Under his careful eye, work which during his absence had been some-
what negletted, went briskly on. With Lady Washington he often

THE STORY OF WASHIXGTON

visited in Alexandria. There he attended divine service. One feels
grateful to the people of this town for ha\ing left unchanged his
tamilv pew m Christ Church. Old neighbors gathered once more about

" There /u attended divine iervice "

24

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

^~ i-

" Lii/iiyrttt, ,in honor,-,! guat, cune to r,nt'c th, fnciuifhip of form,!- \t',ir.< "

his fireside. Latayette, an honored guesr, came to renew the friendship
of former v'ears.

The liome-Iike simplicity of earlier days was no longer possible at
Mount Vernon. Its owner had become famous. Artists begged permission
to paint his portrait. The French sculptor, Houdon, began the statue
which stands in the State House at Richmond. Everyone wanted to
see the great American. All were graciously received, but the house
was too small to provide suitably for their comfort. Washington hunself

-5

THE S T O R ^' OF W A S H I N (i T O X

The itatue which sta/uh in the State House at Richmond ' '

THE STORY OF WASHlNCnON

phmncd the additions whicli made the " Cottage," as he called it, into
the spacious mansion of to-day. On the Christmas following its
completion, there was a gay house-warming to which old and young
were invited.

These years of home life passed swiftly by. Each one found
Washington better fitted for the position he was yet to fill. We
all know what that position was. The people were glad to choose
him tor their President. They loved and trusted him. His journev
to New '\ ork was one long march of triumph. 'I"he men and women
ot the towns through which he rode hastened to do him honor. Even
the children brought their tribute of flowers. W^hen he arrived in
New York the guns in the harbor thundered a salute.

Standing on the balcony of Federal Mall, in the presence of the
Senate and House ot Representatives, he took the oath of oflice.
Gravely, with a deep sense of what the act implied, he stooped to
kiss the open Bible that lay before him. When he turned to face the
multitude in the streets below, the people cried, " LONG LIVE GEORGE
WASHINGTON, PRESIDENT OF THE LfNTTED STATES."
In the taith they gave him there was no shadow of doubt. They
believed he would lead them safely through the difficulties which beset
them on every side. In the days that followed he proved himself
worthy of this trust. He was as faithtid to his country in time of
peace as he had been prompt to answer her call to battle. Through
eight years of public life, he stood at the head of the nation he had
helped to make. Then he retired to the welcome quiet of his home.

^7

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

The visitor in New York enters Washington Square from Fifth
Avenue under the Centennial Arch, placed there in eighteen hundred
eighty-nine, to mark the passing of a century since George Washington
became our first Tresident.

To mark tilt passing of a century "
28

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON

" A ihdft of purest nuirhle "

In other parts of the country, statues and monuments have been erected
to his memory. Surpassing them all in simple grandeur, a shaft of
purest marble watches over the city that bears his name.

29

THE S 1^ O R Y OF W A S II I N G T O N

T/ic y 01/ r/icy' s E?id

Returning past the house hy the lower walk lying between river
and lawn, you come to the Tomb of Washington. One steps softly
here, and it is very still. The heavy doors are closed. No one is
allowed to enter. But the summer winds steal in and out, and some-
times a ray of sunlight lies across the floor. On the wall opposite
the door you notice the words, " I am the resurrection, and the
life: he that relieveth in' me, though he were ueao, ^'et shall he
i.iN'E." When the \\riter of the story \'isiteci this spot, it was early
spring, — the nesting time of birds. One brax'e mother, wiser than her
neighbors, had chosen the narrow shelt below the inscription tor her
summer home. The \'isitor thought, as she turned to come away, that
when she shoidd recall the beauty ot the scene, it would be pleasant
to remember also the little bird, sitting within the shelter ot that silent
place upon her pretty nest.

1" 11 E STORY O F WASHINGTON

" One ittp< softly here, and it is very still '

31

Washington

As hero, soldier, statesman, the world bows at thy feet.

And yet one leaf is needed to make thy wreath complete.

Jealous as other men of thy enduring fame.

With hearts as truly loyal, we choose the simpler name; —

Thy country's honored Father thou evermore shalt be,

Teaching that country's children how to be nobly free.

God help them now to learn, in the spring-time of their youth.

To stand as firm as thou for Liberty and Truth.

W S4

%,^ /^^^': %/ --^^- \^^^,:>^^' \/,

/^^?-:, %/ f;-^^^^^. %.^^/«^^ "^/ o:^,'

.1.0 vv >t. --lo^ V ' }0-Kt '-'^^MM^'

<^.

*"

1%.-

::^>- •. / r^te V/ ; \ % / fSte \^/ .«^ '

. . J /■'% •!*<• ./^. I ,. ^ ,f^^^.. -t /^. ^^:^ ,

* » w 0 ' "^

A

vj.-

,6^

,^5°x-.

%.s^* •■ ^ ■. \/ .-j^m '%,** ^' -M^: ■'■

S-i^.

' ,0'

O. '•'•'• ^-i)*

,'I^W'^,^

•\>

.A

, o « o ,

<*^

j."^
'^o^

^^-n^.

V^

1^

.*'

* ^'~>j-'.

•*>,

^'''
.^^ ►;

<. ^'^v.

\^ ;;^'

■ Kir

^.!.;^.:*.. ^ A.- ,'---'. -^

■•^ -« . » » A,

C;- •>

^^/*frX./

"^-i^

■* AO. 'iSif^'^l. .0-3- ■• ' A <^ ■ * Cs -^ ^^- JO

^0

^0-n^^ ''^

-I ,0 WERT BOOKBINDING ^o.^ \^^m: <^°^ "^K^° ^°-''.

^i'''

WERT BOOKBINDING

JAN 1989

GrantvUlc. PA

<*-_

y - ■<

V<^

Hliimil8llT:«lfl!('i:>.i;M